Veterans Day 2010

(story continued)

John Schrader, building controls technician, Facilities:

“I served in the U.S. Air Force 1981 to 85. It was what I needed at the time as I was needing to be more grounded (I had 12 jobs in one year prior to serving in the Air Force) and it did just that. I think that the Air Force gave me the foundation with which to build the rest of my life. I have no regrets and some fond memories from those days.

Thank you for recognizing all those, not just here at SU, who have served in our armed forces. They are all heroes, even those that never served in time of war, as they never knew when they might be called to duty or where.”

Dave Madsen, associate professor of history:

“I served in the U.S. Army from July 1969 until February 1972. I did my basic training at Fort Lewis, language training in Polish at DLIWC in Monterrey, Calif., and the rest of my time in the 18th Military Intelligence Battalion in Munich, Germany. I left the service with the rank of Specialist 5 (equivalent of sergeant and a rank which, I am told, no longer exists).

Best/strongest memories? Getting a draft notice and a graduate school fellowship in the same day’s mail, friends who got me through basic training, my Drill Sergeant McKinney, my very first flight on an airplane (I was 22 years old), my best friend to this day (whom I met at Monterrey), and the opportunity to live, work and travel in Europe—far from the jungles and violence of Vietnam. Cost me an extra year in service but was totally worth it.”

“I served as a bridge officer on a Navy destroyer during the period of the first Gulf War. I left active duty service after four years as a lieutenant.

While attending the Arrupe Seminar last year, I learned that Audrey Hudgins had been involved in a rescue operation that I had participated in as well during the Gulf War in 1991. Her military intelligence units spotted some people stranded on a small island in the gulf. My ship was informed of the intelligence and I helped coordinate the operation to investigate and rescue those people using our helicopters and Navy SEAL unit.”

Audrey Hudgins, academic advisor and instructor, College of Arts and Sciences:

“My service (in the Army) taught me the value of being a good friend when it matters most, the necessity of a moral compass in challenging situations, and the importance of being a reliable team player in pursuit of a common cause. Service in all its forms—to God, to country, to others—carries with it endless possibilities for a better self and a better world.”

Do you have a message of gratitude you'd like to share with our colleagues who served in the armed forces? Post a comment below.

Discussion

Amen, Bradley. No matter how we feel about combat in general or one particular war, we all owe tremendous gratitude and respect to those who have served and sacrified on behalf of us all.(11/10/2010 4:29:44 PM, Sue Hogan )

I was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the Marine Corps in May, 1964. I didn't complete my full tour and was honorably discharged. I was told I had completed my draft obligation. Then a very confused and belligerent draft board called me up after I had already accepted an assignment with the Peace Corps in South America. Instead, I served a tour of duty with an Army infantry brigade on the Cambodian border in Vietnam. Thereafter I received yet another Honorable Discharge. I am convinced one can honorably serve one's country without participating in unnecessary wars.(11/10/2010 8:15:58 AM, James Stark, emeritus prof '04 )

I'm very thankful I come from a military family as it has given me an even deeper appreciation for all of those who served to keep our country free. My thanks to you who served or are currently serving!!!(11/9/2010 1:21:37 PM, Deborah Phillips )

My thanks to all who shared these words here. But this is only the beginning. All of us would benefit from hearing some of the terrifying stories and seeing some of the terrible scars of those who served.
I often wonder what my life would be like if I had not failed the Army's physical exam.(11/9/2010 1:13:03 PM, Bradley Scharf )